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| Field name |
Value |
| Collection Reference Number
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GLC00461.02
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| From Archive Folder
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Documents Relating to 1700-1753
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| Title
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Legal document concerning Thomas Trowbridge of Newtown
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| Date
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23 January 1705
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| Author
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Trowbridge, Thomas (fl. 1705)
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| Document Type
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Legal document
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| Content Description
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Also signed by John Winchester, Jr. Thomas Trowbridge and Winchester had been accused by Royal Governor of Massachusetts Joseph Dudley of attacking him, and he had pressed charges. The two carters deny the charges and say that Dudley was the aggressor. The men were discharged 6 November 1706.
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| Subjects
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Government and Civics Law
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| People
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Trowbridge, Thomas (fl. 1705) Winchester, John (1644-1718)
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| Place written
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Roxbury, Massachusetts
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| Theme
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Law; Government & Politics
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| Sub-collection
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The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
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| Additional Information
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The social history of eighteenth-century America presents a fundamental paradox. In certain respects, colonial society was becoming more like English society. The power of royal governors was increasing, social distinctions were hardening, lawyers were paying closer attention to English law, and a more distinct social and political elite was gradually emerging, as a result of the expansion of Atlantic commerce, the growth of the tobacco and rice economies, and especially the sale of land. To be sure, compared to the English aristocracy, the wealthiest merchants, planters, and landholders were much more limited in wealth and less stable in membership. Nevertheless, there was a growth of regional elites who intermarried, aped English manners, and dominated the highest levels of colonial government. Yet the eighteenth century also witnessed growing claims of "English liberties" against all forms of tyranny and subservience. A 1705 legal case pitting Governor Joseph Dudley (1647-1720) of Massachusetts against two cart drivers, whom the governor charged with insubordination, offers a vivid example of the mounting challenges to social deference. This case became a landmark in limiting the authority of public officials.
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| Copyright
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The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
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| Module
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Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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| Related documents
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Letter from Joesph Dudley with testimony for legal proceedings
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| Transcript
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Show/hide Thomas Trowbridge's account: I passed through the town of Roxbury in the lane between the house of Ebenezer Davis and the widow Pierpont in which lane are two plain cart paths which meet in one at the de[s]cent of the hill. I being...on the west side of the land I seeing the Governor[']s coach where the paths meet in one...drove leisurely so that the coach might take that path one the east side...which was the best...when I came near the paths met I made a stop thinking they would pass by me in the other.... And the Governor[']s son...biding that it was easier for the coach to take the other path than for me to turn out of that; then did he strike my horse and...drew his sword and told me he would stab one of my horses. I steps betwixt him and my horses and told him he should not if I could help it. He...made several passes at me with his sword which I fended of[f] with my stick. Then came up John Winchester of Muddyriver alias Brookline...who gives the following account. ...I left my cart and came up and laid down my whip by Trowbridge his Team. I asked Mr. William Dudley why he was so rash. He replied this dog won't turn out of the way for the Governour. Then I passed to the Governour with my hat under my arm hoping to moderate the matter, saying may it pleas[e] your Excellency, it is very easy for you to take into this path.... He answered...you rogue or rascal, I will have that way. I then told his excellency, if he would but have patience a minute or two I would clear that way for him. I turning about and seeing Trowbridge his horses twisting about ran to stop them.... The Governour followed me with his drawn sword and said run the dogs through and with his naked sword stabbed me in the back. I facing about, he struck me on the head...giving me there a bloody wound. I then expecting to be killed dead on the spot to prevent his Excellency from such a bloody act in the heat of his passion. I caught hold of his sword and it broke but yet...in his furious rage he struck me divers blows with the hilt and piece of the sword remaining.... I called to the standers by to take notice that what I did in defense of my life.... The Governour said you lie you dog you lie you Devil.... Then said 1, such words dont become a Christian. His Exelency replied, a Christian you dog, a Christian you Devil.... I was a Christian before your were born. I Thomas Trowbridge further declare that...the Governour struck me divers blows then takeing Winchester's driving stick and with the great end there of struck me several blows as he had done to Winchester afore. Winchester told his Excellency he had been a true subject to him and served him and had honoured him.... His Excellency said...you shall go to fail you dogs; then twas asked what should become of our teams. His Excellency said, let them sink into the bottom of the earth.
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